Houston's most influential sports figures (2012-2014)

July 24, 2014 11:26 PM

Photo: Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

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2014

1. Bill O’Brien, Texans coach.
Age: 45.
Last year: Not on the list.

Why he matters: Because the Texans matter more than any of our teams and their buck now stops with him. In his first season heading up a college program, he won the Bear Bryant Award – presented, ironically, in Houston – as coach of the year for having stabilized a Penn State program that was in far nastier turmoil than what the NFL franchise that hired him is confronting. But O’Brien’s first pro team is coming off a league-worst 14-loss season, so he hasn’t exactly landed on a bed of roses, save for the thorns. Under Gary Kubiak and, briefly, Phillips, last fall, the Texans forgot how to win. Taking center stage as the consummate outsider, O’Brien will be judged by how well, and quickly, he cures their amnesia.

1. Bill O’Brien, Texans coach. Age: 45. Last year: Not on the list.Why he matters: Because the Texans matter more than any of our teams and their buck now stops with him. In his first season heading up ... more

Why he matters: Granted, the Texans have never won with Johnson being the perfect soldier, but it’s hard to imagine them mounting much of a turnaround in 2014 if he’s anything less than the player – both in the huddle and the locker room – he has been the past two seasons. Take ‘Dre out of the current receiver group and the Texans suddenly have the least-credentialed cadre of pass-catchers in the league working with a quarterback who’s at best only marginally more credentialed. Of course, it’s also arguable Ryan Fitzpatrick has been a decade-long journeyman because he has never enjoyed the luxury of having a Johnson-caliber target.

2. Andre Johnson, Texans receiver. Age: 33. Last year: Honorable mention.Why he matters: Granted, the Texans have never won with Johnson being the perfect soldier, but it’s hard to imagine them ... more

Why he matters: It’s hard to find fault with the offensive fireworks Harden has brought to the Rockets in his short tenure. But he didn’t lift his game like superstars must in the recent abbreviated postseason and his defense waivers between ambivalence and atrocious. Both deficiencies are fixable and that’s why the Rockets’ ultimate upside – after they failed to secure Anthony’s services – rests largely on Harden’s shoulders. With Dwight Howard, what you see is what you’re going to keep getting, which ain’t bad. What we see with Harden isn’t yet enough.

3. James Harden, Rockets forward. Age: 25. Last year: 8.Why he matters: It’s hard to find fault with the offensive fireworks Harden has brought to the Rockets in his short tenure. But he didn’t lift ... more

Why he matters: Even with Johnson all in, the Texans won’t terrify anyone with their passing game. If they’re going to win, they’ll have to be 100 percent old-school, relying on their ground game and defense. Foster makes or breaks the former pretty much by his lonesome. So, can he be the Arian of 2010-12 coming off back surgery? Does he love the game, or his teammates, enough to fearlessly throw himself into the fray all over again? He already got his big payday and the coaches who won his loyalty after giving him a chance as an undrafted free agent have all been fired. He’s saying all the right things, but he’s a tough read.

Why he matters: The last time he finished a season upright, the Texans owned one of the NFL’s best defenses. That’s probably not a coincidence. He was on an early Pro Bowl course each of the last two years before major knee injuries sidelined him for a combined 22 games. Cush is the glue guy and spiritual leader on the Texans’ defense. He’s The Captain, and the yin to J. J. Watt’s yang. Management didn’t hand him a six-year, $56 million extension (with $21 million guaranteed) early in a season after one in which he’d played in only five games just to be magnanimous. It’s a pick-‘em whether his comeback or Foster’s matters the most if the Texans are to flip back in the right direction after 2013’s flop.

Why he matters: Signing Howard last summer gave the Rockets instant legitimacy plus a major shot of gravitas, and he delivered almost as much as had been promised, which was plenty. But he showed his limitations. The free-throw-shooting thing, for starters, which makes him a liability when games are on the line. Also, he didn’t dominate defensively at the same frenetic level he had as a younger player. Nonetheless, as long as he’s a healthy Rocket, they’ll be a playoff team. But it’s going to be up to players around him, first and foremost the guy with the beard, who determine how far into May – or June – they play.

6. Dwight Howard, Rockets center. Age: 28. Last year: 1.Why he matters: Signing Howard last summer gave the Rockets instant legitimacy plus a major shot of gravitas, and he delivered almost as much as ... more

Why he matters: Watt had an “off” year in 2013 only because his team was suddenly so hapless around him and he’d set such a ridiculously high standard with one of the greatest seasons ever for a defensive end in 2012. Alas, Watt’s position doesn’t allow him to be the difference-maker for the Texans. But with a little help from his friends in the locker room – no, make that a lot – he’ll shove them back in the right direction. Watt’s motor is always running at red-line speed. Nobody will be more driven to right the myriad wrongs of last fall.

7. J.J. Watt, Texans defensive end. Age: 25. Last year: 2.Why he matters: Watt had an “off” year in 2013 only because his team was suddenly so hapless around him and he’d set such a ridiculously ... more

8. Jadeveon Clowney, Texans linebacker.
Age: 21.
Last year: Not on the list.

Why he matters: Normally a rookie linebacker wouldn’t be judged to be so influential, but considering he was the top overall pick in the NFL draft and purported to be a once-in-a-generation-sized talent, he should be capable of impacting the Texans dramatically when added to a defense that also includes a healthy Cushing and a hyper-motivated Watt. It’s an extreme reach to suggest he’s the missing piece in a Super Bowl run, but if he plays up to the expectations befitting his status, he can be the player who puts his team back in the playoff conversation.

8. Jadeveon Clowney, Texans linebacker. Age: 21. Last year: Not on the list.Why he matters: Normally a rookie linebacker wouldn’t be judged to be so influential, but considering he was the top overall pick ... more

Why he matters: Attitude with a capital “A.” He’s equal parts fearless and tough. He knocks people off their games. He showed this season he can be the junkyard dog Mario Ellie was in the glory years, making two championship teams greater than the sum of their parts. If Beverley hadn’t gotten sick during the Rockets’ one-and-done playoff adventure, they might have squeezed past Portland, and who knows what would have happened then? He can’t lead the Rockets back to the promised land – Harden and Howard are being paid far bigger sums do that – but he’ll be the one pushing, shoving and elbowing the hardest from behind.

9. Pat Beverley, Rockets guard. Age: 26. Last year: Not on the list.Why he matters: Attitude with a capital “A.” He’s equal parts fearless and tough. He knocks people off their games. He showed ... more

10. José Altuve, Astros second-baseman.
Age: 24.
Last year: Not on the list.

Why he matters: Unfortunately, he doesn’t, at least in big-picture terms. The Astros are still way too low on the developmental curve for a single player to make them even long-shot contenders, but Altuve by his lonesome gives Houston’s forlorn baseball fans a reason to come to the park on a nightly – rather than monthly – basis. By any measure, he’s a special talent, potentially one of the most exciting in franchise history. It was very smart of the Astros to lock him up for long enough to ensure he’ll still be here when they’re playing for something other than another top draft choice.

Why he matters: The franchise’s long history of cornerstone big men gives the Howard signing extra significance. It’s the biggest deal of the off-season in the NBA and, for the Rockets, it’s exponentially bigger than last year’s acquisitions of Jeremy Lin and James Harden if Howard’s that missing piece they’ve been seeking for approaching two decades. With Howard on patrol down low, they’re an A-list franchise again.

Defining moment: The dunk contest Superman outfit was a marketing coup, but muscling the Magic into the NBA Finals in 2009 established his bonafides.

Staying power: He’s contractually bound to be here for three seasons with his option for a fourth so, if he stays as happy as he seemed to be last weekend, he should become a civic treasure. less

2013

1. Dwight Howard, Rockets center Age: 27. Last year: Not on list.Why he matters: The franchise’s long history of cornerstone big men gives the Howard signing extra significance. It’s the biggest ... more

2. J. J. Watt, Texans defensive end
Age: 24.
Last year: Not on list
Why he matters:His defensive coordinator, Wade Phillips, has coached two of the greatest defensive linemen in history in Bruce Smith and Reggie White, but he says neither ever delivered a season as thoroughly dominating as Watt’s in 2012, when he was the NFL’s consensus Defensive Player of the Year in just his second season.
Defining moment: It seems like every game he played last season qualifies as one, but he spectacularly revealed his monster talent in the Texans’ inaugural playoff victory over Cincinnati the previous year by intercepting the Bengals’ Andy Dalton at almost point-blank range and high-stepping into the end zone for a game-changing touchdown.
Staying power: The zeal he shows every play suggests Watt won’t back off until he’s standing teary-eyed on the stage in Canton for his Hall-of-Fame induction. Seemingly, only a serious injury will derail him. But, if the Texans are to keep him, they’d better start stuffing their piggybank right now. less

2013

2. J. J. Watt, Texans defensive end Age: 24. Last year: Not on list Why he matters:His defensive coordinator, Wade Phillips, has coached two of the greatest defensive linemen in history in Bruce Smith and ... more

3. Matt Schaub, Texans quarterback
Age: 32.
Last year: 8.
Why he matters: Once, Schaub was thought to be a solid, reliable cog in a potent machine, a guy good enough to keep coaxing a potentially great team in the right direction. But a late-season slump last year raised grave concerns. Schaub climbed in our rankings for the wrong reason. As the Texans’ QB, no Houston sports figures finds under more skeptical scrutiny.
Defining moment: He threw for five touchdowns and 527 yards – the latter total tying Warren Moon for second all-time in single NFL game – in a 43-37 overtime shootout against Jacksonville. That was Schaub’s 13th win in 14 starts and two more victories followed. But then the wheels fell off. He threw for only four touchdowns over his next seven games.
Staying power: The Texans have cast their lot with him for this season and they have no Plan-B option if he continues to falter. If he sinks, they sink. If he swims, they swim. less

2013

3. Matt Schaub, Texans quarterback Age: 32. Last year: 8. Why he matters: Once, Schaub was thought to be a solid, reliable cog in a potent machine, a guy good enough to keep coaxing a potentially great ... more

4. Kevin McHale, Rockets coach
Age: 55.
Last year: Not on list.
Why he matters: As a Hall-of-Fame big-man himself, the former Boston Celtic (and Rockets scourge) seems ideally suited to maximize Howard’s impact. For the first time in McHale’s coaching career, he’s got a team capable of contending for a title, but that puts him in the customers’ crosshairs. And Rockets fans, ravenous for a return to the heady days of the mid-90s, haven’t yet forgotten how their heroes free-fell into the eighth seed over the last couple weeks of the season.
Defining moment: After returning from a horrible personal tragedy – the death of his 23-year-old daughter Sasha – he guided the NBA’s youngest team back into the playoffs.
Staying power: Owner Leslie Alexander has shown extraordinary patience over the last 16 seasons while receiving just one playoff series win in return, but now he believes he has given McHale an instant contender. If the Rockets falter, we know where the buck’s going to stop. less

5. Gary Kubiak, Texans coach
Age: 51.
Last year: 7.
Why he matters: He’s the head coach of the city’s flagship franchise, that’s why. He holds the reins of a team, seemingly finally on the cusp of greatness, that has sold out every game since its inception despite plenty of grumbling from the fans.
Defining moment: The Texans got off to an 11-1 start last year, a run that included a 43-13 rout of the eventual Super Bowl champion Ravens.
Staying power: Only three coaches have longer tenures with their current NFL teams – and two of them, Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin, have won multiple Super Bowls – which speaks to Bob McNair’s patient ownership style and his personal affection for Kubiak. But a step backward this season, or even a sideways stumble, figures to doom Houston’s only home-grown head coach. less

2013

5. Gary Kubiak, Texans coach Age: 51. Last year: 7. Why he matters: He’s the head coach of the city’s flagship franchise, that’s why. He holds the reins of a team, seemingly finally on the cusp of ... more

6. Leslie Alexander, Rockets owner
Age: 70.
Last year: Not on list.
Why he matters: It was a coin flip between Alexander and his crafty general manager, Daryl Morey, as to which one belonged on the chart. Morey’s the guy who labored long hours to make the Harden and Howard deals happen, but it’s Alexander who controls the climate in which Morey operates, so he earned the nod.
Defining moment: Go ahead, name another local owner who has delivered a major-league championship to Houston. You can argue that he inherited a team that was ready to win in the mid-90s, but the fact is it happened on his watch.
Staying power: Alexander loves the NBA and he loves owning the Rockets, even if he’s hanging his hat in a new $42 million Manhattan penthouse. If he’d bought the franchise just to turn a healthy profit, he’d have sold out a long time ago. Obviously, he doesn’t need the money. less

2013

6. Leslie Alexander, Rockets owner Age: 70. Last year: Not on list. Why he matters: It was a coin flip between Alexander and his crafty general manager, Daryl Morey, as to which one belonged on the chart. ... more

7. Brian Cushing, Texans linebacker
Age: 26.
Last year: Not on the list
Why he matters: Losing Cushing to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the fifth game last fall turned a potential Super Bowl defense into a hit-and-miss outfit. Cush had become the kind of player who made everybody around him better and, if he picks up where he left off before the injury, defensive coordinator Phillips, who topped our “Houston 10” last year, is going to look a lot smarter again. Watt notwithstanding, it’s Cushing who will determine the fate of the Texans’ defense and, in large part, the team’s Super Bowl chances.
Defining moment: He came up big twice against the Colts as a rookie, making a combined 17 tackles, assisting on six others and intercepting a Peyton Manning pass. It was Indy – and Manning – the Texans were going to have to beat to get anywhere and Cushing personally embraced the challenge.
Staying power: Modern rehab makes his kind of knee injury less career-threatening that it once would have been, but until we see him flying around on the field, it’s impossible to predict if he can get back on track to a Pro Bowl-filled career. less

2013

7. Brian Cushing, Texans linebacker Age: 26. Last year: Not on the list Why he matters: Losing Cushing to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the fifth game last fall turned a potential Super Bowl defense ... more

8. James Harden, Rockets forward
Age: 23.
Last year: Not on list
Why he matters: The beard, for starters. That makes him Houston’s most recognizable face in any crowd. But, with the right talent and team chemistry – much of that now rests on Howard’s shoulders – he can be Scottie Pippen II.
Defining moment: Hello Houston! He scored 37 points, assisted 12 times and grabbed six rebounds in his first Rockets game.
Staying power: With four years left on his contract and Howard lockering nearby, Harden figures to be a happy camper for awhile. He’s only 26 and beginning just his second season as a starter. He’s a franchise cornerstone. less

2013

8. James Harden, Rockets forward Age: 23. Last year: Not on list Why he matters: The beard, for starters. That makes him Houston’s most recognizable face in any crowd. But, with the right talent and team ... more

9. Ed Reed, Texans safety
Age: 34
Last year: Not on list.
Why he matters: He brings a brand-shiny-new championship ring and Hall-of-Fame skills to the NFL’s youngest franchise. He doesn’t have to be a great player at his age to move mountains for the Texans. He just has to be a great teammate, a guiding hand who leads by example and makes plays when he must.
Defining moment: It’s hard to single out one when a guy has been a five-time All Pro, nine-time Pro Bowler and now a Super Bowl champion, but he showed the Texans the kind of game-changer he has always been – and hopefully remains – with the late interception that secured the Ravens’ playoff victory over them two seasons ago.
Staying power: Although he signed a three-year contract, he already has injury issues and could miss several early season games. If the team stumbles, he’s probably one-and-done here. less

2013

9. Ed Reed, Texans safety Age: 34 Last year: Not on list. Why he matters: He brings a brand-shiny-new championship ring and Hall-of-Fame skills to the NFL’s youngest franchise. He doesn’t have to be a ... more

10. Reid Ryan, Astros president
Age: 42.
Last year: Not on list.
Why he matters: If the Ryan name has even a little magic in it, he’ll get Jim Crane’s broken franchise turned around. He bumped Crane out of the Houston 10 this year, but that’s surely to Crane’s liking. In his first year of ownership, the boss was getting too much of the wrong kind of attention.
Defining moment: So far, simply bringing Astros icon Larry Dierker back into the fold was a deft move. It’s going to be lots of baby steps for Ryan.
Staying power: It’s hard to imagine him leaving on his own accord anytime soon, no matter how oppressive the losing gets over the short term. Having proved himself as a real-deal front-office executive in the minor leagues, there’s no reason to think he can’t make in the majors, too. less

2013

10. Reid Ryan, Astros president Age: 42. Last year: Not on list. Why he matters: If the Ryan name has even a little magic in it, he’ll get Jim Crane’s broken franchise turned around. He bumped Crane ... more

1. Wade Phillips, Texans defensive coordinator
Why he matters: The one constant over the Texans’ first nine seasons through two head coaches had been a mediocre defense. Enter Wade and, suddenly, they’re the Steel Blue Curtain. This despite the fact that he was installing a completely new system without the benefit of any off-season prep time because of the lockout. An additional aspect of his prominence is his royal lineage. Father Bum is the most beloved coach in Houston’s history. Also, Wade launched his NFL coaching career with Bum at the outset of the Luv ya Blue Era. less

2012

1. Wade Phillips, Texans defensive coordinator Why he matters: The one constant over the Texans’ first nine seasons through two head coaches had been a mediocre defense. Enter Wade and, suddenly, ... more

2. Jeremy Lin, Rockets point guard
Why he matters: For-real star power! So what if he’s only got 25 NBA games under his belt. Even non-basketball fans have heard of Lin, the most explosively ascendant American athlete in recent memory. Overnight, his signing makes the Rockets relevant again. less

2012

2. Jeremy Lin, Rockets point guard Why he matters: For-real star power! So what if he’s only got 25 NBA games under his belt. Even non-basketball fans have heard of Lin, the most explosively ascendant ... more

3. Bob McNair, Texans owner
Why he matters: For starters, he strongly encouraged Texans head coach Gary Kubiak to bring Wade back to Houston. The NFL is the King Daddy among American pro sports and its owners all bask in the prestige. Theirs is an exclusive club and McNair, although still a relatively junior member, is widely respected, albeit grudgingly by a few of his less financially blessed peers. less

2012

3. Bob McNair, Texans owner Why he matters: For starters, he strongly encouraged Texans head coach Gary Kubiak to bring Wade back to Houston. The NFL is the King Daddy among American pro sports and its ... more

4. Arian Foster, Texans running back
Why he matters: Sure, Matt Schaub is capable of throwing for a lot of yards, but the Texans’ success for the near term hangs on defense and ball control, and nobody controls the ball better than the Foster – Earl Campbell incarnate in terms of substance, if not style – we’ve seen the last two seasons. Not for nothing did the Texans give him the big bucks and let Mario Williams walk. less

2012

4. Arian Foster, Texans running back Why he matters: Sure, Matt Schaub is capable of throwing for a lot of yards, but the Texans’ success for the near term hangs on defense and ball control, and nobody ... more

5. Daryl Morey, Rockets general manager
Why he matters: As an intellect, Morey may be the brightest GM in the NBA. Front-office execs across the country love to hear him share his thoughts. And, despite the franchise-destiny-altering loss of Yao Ming, he has cobbled together a competitive team that keeps winning more games than it loses. But there has been no playoff carrot on this stick and fans are seriously important for the kind of deal that will make the Rockets relevant again. Is Lin the answer? Check back in April. less

2012

5. Daryl Morey, Rockets general manager Why he matters: As an intellect, Morey may be the brightest GM in the NBA. Front-office execs across the country love to hear him share his thoughts. And, despite ... more

6. Renu Khator, University of Houston chancellor and president
Why she matters: Unlike the others listed here, Khator can hardly be called a “sports figure.” Until she came from India to the U.S. as a teenager to study, she probably didn’t know our universities had football teams – or, for that matter, what a football team was. But Khator is quick study. And although she is very much the academic, she’s a pragmatist who understands how the athletic program can help get UH where she wants to take it. less

2012

6. Renu Khator, University of Houston chancellor and president Why she matters: Unlike the others listed here, Khator can hardly be called a “sports figure.” Until she came from India to the U.S. as a ... more

7. Gary Kubiak, Texans head coach
Why he matters: Until he partnered with Phillips, Kubiak’s future looked bleak. If not for last year’s lockout, in fact, he might not have survived the 6-10 finish in 2010. But, as the brains behind one of the NFL’s most potent offenses, Kubiak’s relevance can’t be over-stated. And he holds the unique distinction of being the first Houston native to grow up to become the coach/manager one of the city’s major-league teams. less

2012

7. Gary Kubiak, Texans head coach Why he matters: Until he partnered with Phillips, Kubiak’s future looked bleak. If not for last year’s lockout, in fact, he might not have survived the 6-10 finish in ... more

8. Matt Schaub, Texans quarterback
Why he matters: The quarterback of the local NFL team is frequently the most important sports figure in a city. Schaub falls short here only because the Texans did so well without him for much of last season. Foster is the Texan who stirs the offense’s drink and Phillips’ defense deflects a lot of pressure. In Houston, he doesn’t have to be a Tom Brady. less

2012

8. Matt Schaub, Texans quarterback Why he matters: The quarterback of the local NFL team is frequently the most important sports figure in a city. Schaub falls short here only because the Texans did so ... more

9. Jim Crane, Astros owner
Why he matters: Baseball’s future in Houston is in his hands. That seems a bit scary right now with the Astros seemingly en route to another 100-plus loss season, but Crane’s baseball acumen can hardly be judged by the mess of a franchise he inherited from Drayton McLane. For the moment, his influence is marginal. If he hasn’t climbed several steps up this list a year from now, we should begin to worry. less

2012

9. Jim Crane, Astros owner Why he matters: Baseball’s future in Houston is in his hands. That seems a bit scary right now with the Astros seemingly en route to another 100-plus loss season, but Crane’s ... more

10. Dominic Kinnear, Dynamo head coach
Why he matters: In 13 seasons with the franchise, going back to when it was still in San Jose, Kinnear has had a hand in four championships and he led the Dynamo to the title game last year. Without the success he’s had in Houston, it’s unlikely the team would be playing in its fancy new downtown stadium. less

2012

10. Dominic Kinnear, Dynamo head coach Why he matters: In 13 seasons with the franchise, going back to when it was still in San Jose, Kinnear has had a hand in four championships and he led the Dynamo to ... more